Letter to Our Patients

Given the current risks, concerns, and fears of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic it is quite reasonable to ask questions such as, “How do I protect myself when I have to go to the grocery store?” or “Should I keep my doctor’s appointments?” There are no definite answers to these questions. However, I would like to share with you what I am doing to balance the need to care for your eyes with the need for social distancing.

1. As I have done for the last seven years, I will continue to limit the number of patients scheduled to see me each day. As such, the reception area is rarely full allowing my patients to maintain some distance from each other.

2. Upon entering the office all patients will be screened for symptoms of illness or recent travel. If either are present the individual will be asked to reschedule to another time.

3. On a daily basis my staff use a disinfectant to wipe down all non-medical surfaces (such as reception chairs and tables).

4. All medical surfaces (exam room chairs, testing equipment surfaces, etc.) are wiped down between each patient exam such that all surfaces that will be touched by the next patient have been disinfected.

5. I and my staff use a medical-grade hand sanitizer before and after each patient exam or testing encounter (and recommend that all patients use a hand sanitizer upon arrival available at the check-in desk).

6. We will no longer be shaking hands.

7. We encourage everyone that needs testing to come into the office on separate “testing days” (generally Mondays and Tuesdays) during which only one to two patients are scheduled at a given time. This also limits one’s exposure to others.

8. For those with glaucoma who simply need to have an intraocular pressure checked you may call to schedule an “IOP check only” visit (at no charge) on a testing day. I will not be present to review your IOP as I teach the USC ophthalmology residents during office testing days. However, I will review this information when I return to the office and discuss the results with you on your following in-office or “virtual visit” (see next item).

9. For my established patients who have scheduled separate “testing only” days and for whom I feel it would be appropriate, I am now offering “virtual visits” with me by phone or video. The purpose of such visits would be primarily to review the testing results and make treatment adjustments for pre-existing conditions (such as glaucoma). Please note that current technology does not allow for accurate evaluation or diagnosis of new-onset symptoms such as blurred vision or a painful or red eye. These still require in-office evaluations. If you are interested in scheduling a “virtual visit” please call my office for details.

I am hopeful that the above measures will provide peace of mind in our shared goal of maintaining both your overall and ocular health.

Warm regards,

David D. Richardson, M.D.

Other Helpful Resources:

• Simple DIY masks could help flatten the curve. We should all wear them in public.
• How to Make Improvised Paper Towel Mask